The Birth and Death of Meaning
by Ernest Becker
Becker's earlier synthesis of psychology and anthropology: self-esteem as the central human need and culture as its source. The foundation for his later work.
Read it if…
you want Becker's framework from the start.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want The Denial of Death first.
Try instead: The Art of Being →
Three things you will actually use
- Self-esteem is the master motive.
- Culture is a hero system.
- Meaning is socially built.
Do this first
Read the chapter on self-esteem.
Our verdict
Becker's foundation.
See the book →
Compare with other Character books
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